| Code | X5 |
|---|---|
| Rules required | D&D Expert Set |
| Character levels | 6-10 |
| Campaign setting | Mystara |
| Authors | David Cook |
| First published | 1983 |
| Linked modules | |
| X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11, X12, X13, XL1, XSOLO, XS2 | |
Temple of Death is a Dungeons & Dragons adventure module designed by David Cook for use with the D&D Expert Set.
Contents |
In Master of the Desert Nomads, the nomad tribes of Sind Desert have rallied together under the leadership of the enigmatic figure known as the Master, and it is the mission of the player characters to neutralize this threat to the Republic. In Temple of Death, the characters approach the Black Mountains and traverse the Great Pass through them to reach the land of Hule.[1] Having negotiated the Great Pass, the adventurers must cross the "sanctified land" of Hule.[2] Hule is an oppressive totalitarian state in which social orders are carefully defined, and where the Master's stronghold is located.[1] The characters must make their way to Hule's capital without attracting the attention of the Diviners.[1] The adventurers then need to penetrate the Dark Wood to find the Temple of Death.[2] The scenario includes wilderness, town, and dungeon encounters.[2]
Temple of Death was written by David Cook, with art by Tim Truman, and was published by TSR in 1983 as a thirty two page booklet with an outer folder.[2] It is the second part of the two part Desert Nomads series, following Master of the Desert Nomads.[2]
Dave Morris reviewed Temple of Death for White Dwarf No. 55, giving the module 10 out of 10 overall. Morris felt that David Cook "constructed a logical, continually challenging, imaginative and vividly portrayed adventure", and declared, "Frankly, I have not seen a better D&D scenario than this."[1] Morris also praised the artwork by Timothy Truman. Morris felt that this module was "perhaps one of the three or four best role-playing supplements for any system" and gave it a superlative rating, adding, "my only regret is that the adventure was designed for Expert rather than Advanced rules."[1]
Rick Swan reviewed the adventure in The Space Gamer No. 71. Swan felt that the module "soars with surprises at every turn", with locales such as "a zombie palace made entirely of fungus, a flying ship manned by skeletons, and a ladder of light that extends to the moon." He also found the maps and illustrations "attractive and functional", and said the views of the Temple would help players visualize the unusual structure. He cautioned that, because the adventure is largely set in the wilderness, it will challenge the Dungeon Master to keep the players headed in the right direction. He felt that the Master is "somewhat of a letdown" as he is "a pretty dull guy in light of what's come before". Swan felt that "the two Desert Nomads adventures can't enjoyably be played on their own" but concluded that "Taken with Masters of the Desert Nomads, Temple of Death is great fun".[3]